Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Queen and Prince Philip will mark their 70th wedding anniversary privately.

The Palace told Sky News that their platinum anniversary on 20 November will be a family celebration.

It is understood that no official visits or public engagements are currently planned to mark the milestone.

The news came as the Queen made a solo visit to the warship HMS Sutherland which was docked in London, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the vessel's commissioning.

Image:The Queen heard Hurricane Irma rescue stories

She met with the crew of a Wildcat Helicopter who were part of the Royal Navy's relief effort in the aftermath of Caribbean Hurricane Irma.

She couldn't resist pressing the old fashioned fire horn worn by one of the firefighters on board HMS Sutherland.

Chief Petty Officer Peter Manning, 38, who is in charge of the fire crew, laughed with the royal visitor as she prodded the horn.

He said later: "The Queen asked what it was for and I told her they sound it in distress. If they get into a distress situation during firefighting - it could be dark with smoke - it lets others know they need help."

Image:The visit marked the 20th anniversary of the vessel's commissioning

For their 60th wedding anniversary in 2007 official photographs were released and a service of thanksgiving was held at Westminster Abbey.

To mark 50 years of marriage in 1997 the Queen and Prince Philip attended a lunch at Banqueting House in London.

In a speech the Queen spoke of "a remarkable 50 years", and paid tribute to her husband.

She said at the time: "He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know."

The Palace wouldn't comment on why they have decided to spend the anniversary privately this year, but it comes as Prince Philip, who is 96, has now retired from royal duties, and only occasionally appears publicly alongside his wife.

Video:Prince Philip retires: A retrospective

The Queen, who is 91, is still carrying out a full programme of audiences and engagements, but she is increasingly being supported by younger members of the family.